The alarm brought John out of a peaceful sleep. One that felt so good.
"Give her 5 of haldol and wake me in an hour."
Abby sat straight up and was half way to the bathroom before she remembered they were at her apartment and not in the ER. She looked over at Carter, he was still sound asleep.
Carter swatted at Abby, "5 haldol now leave me alone, I'll see her when I get up."
"Carter, wake up. Your not at work, and I am not gonna give myself haldol, even if we had some here."
"Uh, what, who haldol." Carter said sitting up and rubbing his eyes, "why were you asking for it then?"
Abby put her hands on either side of Carter's face and kissed him. "You were running a trauma in your sleep again."
"Guess I can't leave work at work after all," He said kissing her back. "Better pack so we can get to the airport."
"You better try harder to leave the ER here. I am not going to run and fetch for the great Dr. Carter on my vacation," Abby said, with one more kiss.
"I will," he said, "but would you go and fetch the bag that I did manage to pack before I had to work forever in the bathroom." He asked looking at her with puppy eyes.
Abby rolled her eyes in response. "Ok, Ok, just this once more."
"Last time, I promise." He said heading into the closet, "hey Abby, how do you find anything in here?"
"I have a special system only known to me."
"Okay then, how do I find my tux?"
"Left hand side of closet, behind my winter coat would be where to find not often worn formal clothes." Abby said, as she headed back from the bathroom.
Carter turned and looked at her, "would I look good in this instead?" He was holding up one of her dresses and doing a little side to side hip wave.
Abby let out a wolf whistle. "Maybe when we get back you will have to try it on," Abby said. "But I don't think your family will approve."
Carter disappeared back into the closet to try to find his tux. "I knew it was here!" He exclaimed walking out triumphantly. "Abby where are my shoes?"
"They should be next to my black pumps in the shoe rack on the right side of the closet." Carter looked up on the shoe rack. Thank goodness he had her, he'd never find anything in here. He was going to have to change her into a neat freak soon. Her system wasn't a system, it was Chaos. He thought back to when he first kissed her, it was in an exam room during the small pox outbreak. He had been afraid that they were both going to die. He was happy that things had ended up the way that they did. He threw his stuff in a suitcase. Whatever he was forgetting he would have to get later. "We'd better get moving soon. I don't want to miss our plane. You did say you wanted to fly first class right?"
"I didn't say. You just came back with tickets to Europe, remember." Abby said, her eyes making one more sweep of her closet to see if she forgot anything
"Oh, I hope that's okay?" He said laughing. "There's more legroom and it's a 16-hour flight. Didn't want us to be cramped."
"Whatever you want is fine with me."
"What I want I have. I couldn't ask for anything more."
Abby walked back over to Carter and grabbed his hands. "You know, you really do make me feel special, almost like I am worth all this attention."
You are worth all this attention. It's not every day I run away to Europe with a woman." He said, "let's get this stuff down to the car before we are swimming to Europe."
"That I don't think I want to do." Abby pulled up the handle of her suitcase, slung her garment bag and purse over her shoulder and smiled at Carter. "Ok, I'm ready to face the Carter Masses."
"My family is not that bad Abby; they will love you as much as I do." He said to her, "just relax, I'm not going to let them eat you for lunch."
"Just nibble at my toes, right?" Abby asked.
"Nope not even that." He said pulling on his suitcase. "This thing weight a ton...how much did you put in here?"
"Just the necessities that didn't fit in my suitcase."
Did it include the kitchen sink?" He said as he pulled it down the stairs. "Make sure the lights are all off but that one I have on the timer thingy."
"Got it." Abby said, as she pulled the door closed. She took one last deep breath, hoping this was all going to go as well as Carter seemed to think it was going to.
"Are you nervous about this Abby?"
"Gee, what makes you ask that?"
"You shut your coat in the door."
Abby looked back at the door, and sure enough her coat was still in the door. Just great she though, she wasn't even out of Chicago and she was already making a fool out of herself.
"Do you need a hand?" He said laughing. "I'm sorry."
"Don't laugh at me John, or I'm going straight back in that door and you can take Susan with you."
"Abby no, I don't want to take Susan with me. She gets airsick. That's why she took the train to Arizona and back. I couldn't be stuck on a plane with her for 16 hours."
"I guess this might be a bad time to mention that I'm afraid to fly," Abby said, as she managed to wrestle her coat out of the door.
Carter looked at her, "what, you're afraid to fly...why didn't you say something to me sooner?"
"I forgot?" Abby said.
"Maybe I have a Valium in the jeep still. Susan is going to be here any minute to pick us up. I have time to check though that way you'll be relaxed when we fly." He said looking at her.
"No, no drugs." Abby said, trying to slow down her breathing. "I can do this."
"You can't smoke for 16 hours Abby, are you sure you can handle this."
"I can do this. As long as you are with me."
"I'll hold your hand the entire flight if you want me to." John said to her.
Abby stood on her toes and kissed his cheek. "Thanks."
"There's Susan." John said walking over to the car that had just pulled up, "there's no turning back."
"I could always say I have a gun once we get to the airport, and they can arrest me and put me in a nice safe cell."
"Would you rather we spend all this time that I have slaved for in the jail?" He asked her.
No, I want to go to Europe; maybe I can just sleep the whole way."
"That offer for a Valium still stands." He said looking at her. He hoped that she could make it thru this flight okay. It was awful long and he really didn't know she was nervous to fly.
"Maybe you can distract me." Abby said, a sight gleam coming to her eyes.
"That I could do," he said to her, "maybe we could join the mile high club. That would take your mind off flying."
"That it would."
"It would be my honor Ms. Lockhart." John said to her as he opened the door. "Sorry I didn't want to leave the jeep at the airport and Susan offered."
"That's ok. I don't mind Susan taking us to the airport. But you are sitting in back." Abby said as she waved to Susan.
"Not a problem. Thanks for the ride Susan." He said as he helped Abby in the car and climbed in back.
Susan handed Abby a cup of coffee, "How are you this morning."
"Just Peachy." Abby answered, holding the coffee like it was a lifeline.
"Abby loosen your grip you are going to kill the coffee." Carter said laughing from the back seat. This was going to be an interesting trip.
"Don't laugh at me, John Carter."
"I'm sorry Abby, really I am," He said, "It's just that I have never seen you so nervous, you weren't even this nervous as a med student.
"I was nervous then too; I just did a better job of hiding it. That and I smoked."
"I see." He said. "It's going to be just fine, just think mile high and it will be all over before you know it."
Abby blushed.
"Yeah we are stopping over in Denver." John said blushing.
Susan looked from Abby to Carter. She wasn't sure whose face was redder.
"Carter, isn't Denver in the opposite direction," There was a grin on her face.
" I just wanted to take Abby to the mile high club first."
Carter couldn't believe that Susan was picking on him now. He felt like his cheeks were on fire.
"Well, Carter. If I had that kind of distraction, I might even get on a plane," Susan said, trying to contain her amusement.
"There aren't enough airsickness bags on the flight Susan. You wouldn't last. It's 16 hours my dear."
"Then I guess it's a good think you are taking Abby, then." Susan said
"Yeah I know," He said, "our flight leaves from gate 15 Susan." He said as they approached the airport.
Abby felt the butterflies growing in her stomach again. "Mile high, Mile high", she kept repeating to herself.
Carter chuckled to himself. He wasn't sure how long she was going to last. He slipped a compazine in the bag that he was carrying on. He didn't want her to be totally miserable if she couldn't make it thru the entire flight. He'd help her the best he could though. "Thanks again for the ride Susan." He said as they pulled up outside the gate for their trip to Switzerland.
"Bye Susan," Abby said, "are you picking us up on the way home?"
"Yeah she will, won't you Susan? I did give you the flight number for our return trip?"
"Yep, I got it all, flight information, hotel name and number, and Carter's cell phone. I am just a fountain of information," Susan said. "You two have a good time."
"Thanks for everything Susan." He said, "come on Abby. I know you don't want to do this, but I know I can get you to change your mind once we are in the air."
Abby grabbed Carter's hand again, "Ok, I think I'm ready."
"I'll get you there in one piece." He said as they headed thru the metal detectors.
They got through the metal detectors and security without any difficulty, then headed to the gate to wait for their flight. Abby was feeling slightly more relaxed, as long as she was touching John.
"Come on Abby, let's catch the plane." He said, "I want to leave Chicago behind."
"Just don't let go of me," Abby said, her grip almost cutting off the blood supply to Carter's hand.
"Ouch, let go....not so tight Abby. I need blood flow to my hand. Just remember what I told you to think about. It won't be much longer until we are in the sky." Carter yelped.
Abby took a deep breath, and loosed her grip a bit. "Mile high, mile high," she said under her breath.
Carter handed the woman at the gate their tickets. "You can turn back now if you want to, or we can go sit down and enjoy ourselves." Carter knew that Abby wouldn't leave him on that plane by himself. But he wanted to get her to relax. He hadn't seen her this uptight in a long time.
"Is there any way to join this club and not get in an airplane?" Abby asked
"Not that I know of Abby. I think you have to actually be mile high to join it." Carter said laughing.
"Don't you laugh at me, John Carter"
"Honey I'm sorry but you're too cute."
Abby closed her eyes for a minute, and just concentrated on breathing. "Ok, I can do this."
Carter put his arm around her and led her to their seats. "I know you can do this Abby. You're strong; it's just a little airplane."
"Maybe if it really were little, I wouldn't be so worried. The bigger something is the faster it falls," Abby said as she slid into her seat.
"We'll be okay. It's not going to fall out of the sky." He said patting her hand. Something was telling him this was going to be a long flight after all. Abby put her seatbelt on, and pulled it just as tight as she could.
Carter watched. Could she get that any tighter? He watched as the few passengers that there were boarded and the flight attendant started in with the safety lecture. "A few more minutes and we'll be on our way. Say goodbye to Chicago." "Goodbye, Chicago. I hope I see you again," Abby said, as she gave a little wave toward the window.
"Of course you'll see it again. We'll be back at County before it feels like we've been gone. We're headed down the runway. Don't panic when the plane lifts off. It will be bumpy for a second." He said to her. He didn't want her to have a panic attack before they left the city. Abby gripped the armrest with her right hand, and Carter's hand with her left.
"Tell me when its over" she said, tightly shutting her eyes.
Carter grimaced. He didn't think that he was going to have a hand left when he got to Switzerland. "Breathe Abby, relax, " He leaned over and kissed her. He really needed her to let go of his hand a little.
"Could you do that again, please?" Abby asked, with her eyes still closed.
"You bet." He leaned back over. She had lessened her death grip. The seatbelt sign came off. Carter reached over set her free and pulled her onto his lap. "Keep your eyes closed and sleep for a few minutes," He said stroking her head.
"Sleep, are you nuts!" Abby said, her words sounding a bit higher pitched than her usual voice. "Do you really think that is possible?"
"Shhh. Yes I do. Close your eyes." He said to her and he rubbed the back of her neck. "Relax Abby I have you."
The flight attendant walked by and asked if they wanted anything to drink. Abby opened her eyes, looked right at Carter. "Can I please have a drink, John? Please?"
"Why," he said looking into her eyes, "you have me instead of it."
"I swear, I will never drink again if you just please let me have one now."
"Abby you know how I feel about drinking." He was going to be as firm as he could with her on this one.
"Can't you make an exception, just this once," Abby pleaded, her eyes still locked with his.
"Why?" he wasn't going to bend, "Abby look, we will get thru this together. I'm here, you don't need it. What will it do for you that I can't?"
Abby stopped and though. She drew a shaky breath. "Just don't let go of me."
"I don't intend to. Okay I'm going to have to in a little bit so we can join that club that I've been promising you. But I won't let go of you any longer than I have to. " Carter said to her.
Abby dropped her head back onto Carter's chest, and closed her eyes again. She tried to just concentrate on his heartbeat. She wondered why his heartbeat wasn't racing like hers. Carter tipped the seat back and rested his chin on top of her head. "Get some sleep. Really, we are going to be here awhile." He was still tired from the all the days that he worked. He started snoring over the Atlantic Ocean.
"Damn it, Carter. Wake up! "
"What, did we land?" Carter said jumping up, "what's wrong Abby?"
"There is water outside that window. Did you know that? Why didn't you warn me?" Abby asked, her hand now gripping his tie.
"Abby what is between New York and Switzerland that's big and blue?"
"Don't you mock me. You better get me in that club, or get me off this damn plane. Or get me a drink," she said
"Okay, okay. Here's the plan. I want you to walk to the end of the isle. On the right side is the bathroom go in and close the door but don't lock it. I will be right there." He said.
"You want me to walk?"
"Yes, I can't carry you there, and well I don't think the other passengers would appreciate the show."
"All I can say is this better be good," Abby said as she slipped out of Carter's lap. She felt him steady her as she stood in the isle.
"Right side, don't lock the door."
"Okay, but don't be long."
"I won't be more than 5 minutes Abby relax. It's not like I want the entire plane to know I'm initiating you into the mile high club," He said in a low voice.
Abby grabbed her purse and walked down the isle, and into the bathroom. She reached for the lock then remember she wasn't supposed to lock it. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her eyes were wide, and she was pale. Carter would probably run and hide as soon as he saw her.
Carter counted to 25 and then got up and followed Abby. He reached for the bathroom door, and thanked God that she hadn't locked it. He stepped inside. Put his fingers to her lips. "Shhh." He said as he lifted her up, sitting her on the edge of the sink and locking the door behind him. Abby wrapped her arms tightly around Carter's neck, and tried again to slow her breathing.
"That's it," Carter said. He pulled her close to him; he ran his arms up and down the length of her back. He wanted her to relax and know that she was safe there with him. He wasn't going to let anything happen to her and he was going to take her mind off the fact that they were in an airplane. Abby could feel Carter's strong arms around her, and she started to feel a bit better. Her pulse began to return to normal, beating in time with John's.
"I love you," he said as he worked his way down the neck and across the tops of her arms.
Abby's eyes drifted closed again, but not in fear. There was nothing like the feeling of being in his arms. It was enough to make her forget that she was in the sky in a tin can.
His hands roamed over Abby's body. He was going to make her forget that she was flying. Abby placed her lips to John's neck, nibbling along his jaw line. She ran her tongue along the curve of his ear, and she felt his heart rate speed up. Carter slowly started to undress her, taking his time. He had an entire flight to make her happy. Abby pulled John's tie loose, then began working on the buttons of his shirt.
"You are the most beautiful woman in the world, I love you." John whispered in her ear as he slipped her shirt over her head. He kissed his way down her arm and then back up to her neck.
"Oh, John," Abby sighed. She pulled him even closer, until it was impossible to tell where she ended and he began.
John savored the touch of her skin against his, how soft she felt under his hands. She was finally his. He didn't want this to ever end. Her body molded perfectly with his, as he carefully balance her between him and the small sink ledge, he slid her down so that he was leaning against the wall supporting her with his hands on her hips.
"God, John, don't ever stop," Abby whispered. Abby wrapped her legs around him, totally lost in the feeling of him.
He bent his head down to kiss her. She seemed to melt under his touch. He ran his hands thru her hair, down her back gently stroking her skin lightly. He drank in her taste, her smell. He was high on love. Love of being with her, of feeling her, of touching and being with her. Abby couldn't remember a time she had felt so loved. His love for her came through in every motion, every touch, and every hushed moan. He was a part of her, and she a part of him. If this wasn't heaven, she didn't know what was.
He opened his eyes to look at her, to take in her beauty; he loved her with all his heart. He couldn't hold on much longer, with her, it was so special. There was nothing that he wouldn't do for her. He would walk to the ends of the earth. He pulled her close to him, "Abby," he cried out only loud enough for her to hear. Abby looked into his beautiful brown eyes, and the love reflected in them. The depth of feeling shining in his eyes was enough to push her over the edge.
"Oh, Baby," she panted, as she felt her body tremble. "Just never let go."
John laid his head on her shoulder as he held onto her tightly. He was never going to let go of her, ever. "Abby I love you more than you'll ever know." He said. He kissed her hard and passionately. He didn't want her to think of anyone but him, to think of anything but his love for her.
"I want to be yours, forever." Abby laced her fingers with John's. "Forever" she said as she looked at their joined hands.
"I want that too." He said, "I'm not going anywhere Abby, I'm yours forever and a day."
Abby looked around and giggled, "we probably need to leave this bathroom sometime, though."
"You think anyone noticed we've been in here forever." He said smiling. He looked down at his watch, "over an hour."
"I don't care what anyone thinks. I wouldn't have missed this for anything." Abby said, placing a light kiss on John's forehead.
"I'm glad." He said buttoning his shirt back up, "you want to go out first or you want me to?"
"You go. I want to try to do something with my hair. Don't want to scare the other passengers," Abby said with a sated smile.
"Okay." He said, he kissed her and slipped out the bathroom door, he was glad to see that she was more relaxed about being on the flight.
Abby found a brush in her purse and ran it through her hair. She looked again into the mirror, this time she was pleased with the reflection. It was of a woman in love. She stepped out of the bathroom, and returned to her seat. She lay her head onto John, and instantly fell asleep.
John smiled as he watched her sleep. He pushed his seat back so that he reclined. And closed his eyes. Maybe now that she was sleeping he could sleep with out her hitting him in a frantic panic. Carter opens his eyes.
They were about 15 minutes from landing when they hit turbulence. Abby's eyes flew open and she sat straight up. "What was that?"
"Sorry sweetie, the road's just a little bumpy right here." He said smiling at her, "we are almost there. You only have to be on this plane for another 15 minutes."
Abby held out her trembling left hand to John. "You know what to do."
He took her hand in his. He leaned over and kissed her, "there's not enough time."
Abby rolled her eyes, and almost chuckled, in a nervous way. "Just hold my hand."
"Your wish is my command" He said as the pilot came over the loud speaker. "Ladies and gentleman welcome to Geneva we will be landing in 10 minutes."
Abby closed her eyes again, and felt Carters hand in hers. She held on, but didn't cut off the circulation this time.
Do you want to get something to eat first, or check into the hotel?" He asked her.
"Let's find the hotel first. I want to feel solid ground under my feet for a while before I consider eating."
"Okay," Carter pouted. He hadn't had anything to eat for a while and those peanuts just weren't enough.
"Or," Abby said, batting her eyes. "We could check in, order room service and I could feed you to your heart's content."
John smiled. "I think I like that idea. It's just you and me for a whole week. "
"Don't forget the entire Carter Clan."
"How could I forget?" Carter said. "There you go. You are on solid ground again."
"Not quite, we are still in this plane, but since the plane is on the ground now I guess it won't fall, " said Abby, as she began to gather her belongings.
"No it won't fall." He said. "But it will feel nice to get off it. Hopefully we can find a taxi fairly easily."
"Or if the hotel isn't far, maybe we could walk? Abby asked.
"I'm not carrying this bag with your kitchen sink in it that far." He said laughing.
"OK, taxi it is."
Abby sat straight up and was half way to the bathroom before she remembered they were at her apartment and not in the ER. She looked over at Carter, he was still sound asleep.
Carter swatted at Abby, "5 haldol now leave me alone, I'll see her when I get up."
"Carter, wake up. Your not at work, and I am not gonna give myself haldol, even if we had some here."
"Uh, what, who haldol." Carter said sitting up and rubbing his eyes, "why were you asking for it then?"
Abby put her hands on either side of Carter's face and kissed him. "You were running a trauma in your sleep again."
"Guess I can't leave work at work after all," He said kissing her back. "Better pack so we can get to the airport."
"You better try harder to leave the ER here. I am not going to run and fetch for the great Dr. Carter on my vacation," Abby said, with one more kiss.
"I will," he said, "but would you go and fetch the bag that I did manage to pack before I had to work forever in the bathroom." He asked looking at her with puppy eyes.
Abby rolled her eyes in response. "Ok, Ok, just this once more."
"Last time, I promise." He said heading into the closet, "hey Abby, how do you find anything in here?"
"I have a special system only known to me."
"Okay then, how do I find my tux?"
"Left hand side of closet, behind my winter coat would be where to find not often worn formal clothes." Abby said, as she headed back from the bathroom.
Carter turned and looked at her, "would I look good in this instead?" He was holding up one of her dresses and doing a little side to side hip wave.
Abby let out a wolf whistle. "Maybe when we get back you will have to try it on," Abby said. "But I don't think your family will approve."
Carter disappeared back into the closet to try to find his tux. "I knew it was here!" He exclaimed walking out triumphantly. "Abby where are my shoes?"
"They should be next to my black pumps in the shoe rack on the right side of the closet." Carter looked up on the shoe rack. Thank goodness he had her, he'd never find anything in here. He was going to have to change her into a neat freak soon. Her system wasn't a system, it was Chaos. He thought back to when he first kissed her, it was in an exam room during the small pox outbreak. He had been afraid that they were both going to die. He was happy that things had ended up the way that they did. He threw his stuff in a suitcase. Whatever he was forgetting he would have to get later. "We'd better get moving soon. I don't want to miss our plane. You did say you wanted to fly first class right?"
"I didn't say. You just came back with tickets to Europe, remember." Abby said, her eyes making one more sweep of her closet to see if she forgot anything
"Oh, I hope that's okay?" He said laughing. "There's more legroom and it's a 16-hour flight. Didn't want us to be cramped."
"Whatever you want is fine with me."
"What I want I have. I couldn't ask for anything more."
Abby walked back over to Carter and grabbed his hands. "You know, you really do make me feel special, almost like I am worth all this attention."
You are worth all this attention. It's not every day I run away to Europe with a woman." He said, "let's get this stuff down to the car before we are swimming to Europe."
"That I don't think I want to do." Abby pulled up the handle of her suitcase, slung her garment bag and purse over her shoulder and smiled at Carter. "Ok, I'm ready to face the Carter Masses."
"My family is not that bad Abby; they will love you as much as I do." He said to her, "just relax, I'm not going to let them eat you for lunch."
"Just nibble at my toes, right?" Abby asked.
"Nope not even that." He said pulling on his suitcase. "This thing weight a ton...how much did you put in here?"
"Just the necessities that didn't fit in my suitcase."
Did it include the kitchen sink?" He said as he pulled it down the stairs. "Make sure the lights are all off but that one I have on the timer thingy."
"Got it." Abby said, as she pulled the door closed. She took one last deep breath, hoping this was all going to go as well as Carter seemed to think it was going to.
"Are you nervous about this Abby?"
"Gee, what makes you ask that?"
"You shut your coat in the door."
Abby looked back at the door, and sure enough her coat was still in the door. Just great she though, she wasn't even out of Chicago and she was already making a fool out of herself.
"Do you need a hand?" He said laughing. "I'm sorry."
"Don't laugh at me John, or I'm going straight back in that door and you can take Susan with you."
"Abby no, I don't want to take Susan with me. She gets airsick. That's why she took the train to Arizona and back. I couldn't be stuck on a plane with her for 16 hours."
"I guess this might be a bad time to mention that I'm afraid to fly," Abby said, as she managed to wrestle her coat out of the door.
Carter looked at her, "what, you're afraid to fly...why didn't you say something to me sooner?"
"I forgot?" Abby said.
"Maybe I have a Valium in the jeep still. Susan is going to be here any minute to pick us up. I have time to check though that way you'll be relaxed when we fly." He said looking at her.
"No, no drugs." Abby said, trying to slow down her breathing. "I can do this."
"You can't smoke for 16 hours Abby, are you sure you can handle this."
"I can do this. As long as you are with me."
"I'll hold your hand the entire flight if you want me to." John said to her.
Abby stood on her toes and kissed his cheek. "Thanks."
"There's Susan." John said walking over to the car that had just pulled up, "there's no turning back."
"I could always say I have a gun once we get to the airport, and they can arrest me and put me in a nice safe cell."
"Would you rather we spend all this time that I have slaved for in the jail?" He asked her.
No, I want to go to Europe; maybe I can just sleep the whole way."
"That offer for a Valium still stands." He said looking at her. He hoped that she could make it thru this flight okay. It was awful long and he really didn't know she was nervous to fly.
"Maybe you can distract me." Abby said, a sight gleam coming to her eyes.
"That I could do," he said to her, "maybe we could join the mile high club. That would take your mind off flying."
"That it would."
"It would be my honor Ms. Lockhart." John said to her as he opened the door. "Sorry I didn't want to leave the jeep at the airport and Susan offered."
"That's ok. I don't mind Susan taking us to the airport. But you are sitting in back." Abby said as she waved to Susan.
"Not a problem. Thanks for the ride Susan." He said as he helped Abby in the car and climbed in back.
Susan handed Abby a cup of coffee, "How are you this morning."
"Just Peachy." Abby answered, holding the coffee like it was a lifeline.
"Abby loosen your grip you are going to kill the coffee." Carter said laughing from the back seat. This was going to be an interesting trip.
"Don't laugh at me, John Carter."
"I'm sorry Abby, really I am," He said, "It's just that I have never seen you so nervous, you weren't even this nervous as a med student.
"I was nervous then too; I just did a better job of hiding it. That and I smoked."
"I see." He said. "It's going to be just fine, just think mile high and it will be all over before you know it."
Abby blushed.
"Yeah we are stopping over in Denver." John said blushing.
Susan looked from Abby to Carter. She wasn't sure whose face was redder.
"Carter, isn't Denver in the opposite direction," There was a grin on her face.
" I just wanted to take Abby to the mile high club first."
Carter couldn't believe that Susan was picking on him now. He felt like his cheeks were on fire.
"Well, Carter. If I had that kind of distraction, I might even get on a plane," Susan said, trying to contain her amusement.
"There aren't enough airsickness bags on the flight Susan. You wouldn't last. It's 16 hours my dear."
"Then I guess it's a good think you are taking Abby, then." Susan said
"Yeah I know," He said, "our flight leaves from gate 15 Susan." He said as they approached the airport.
Abby felt the butterflies growing in her stomach again. "Mile high, Mile high", she kept repeating to herself.
Carter chuckled to himself. He wasn't sure how long she was going to last. He slipped a compazine in the bag that he was carrying on. He didn't want her to be totally miserable if she couldn't make it thru the entire flight. He'd help her the best he could though. "Thanks again for the ride Susan." He said as they pulled up outside the gate for their trip to Switzerland.
"Bye Susan," Abby said, "are you picking us up on the way home?"
"Yeah she will, won't you Susan? I did give you the flight number for our return trip?"
"Yep, I got it all, flight information, hotel name and number, and Carter's cell phone. I am just a fountain of information," Susan said. "You two have a good time."
"Thanks for everything Susan." He said, "come on Abby. I know you don't want to do this, but I know I can get you to change your mind once we are in the air."
Abby grabbed Carter's hand again, "Ok, I think I'm ready."
"I'll get you there in one piece." He said as they headed thru the metal detectors.
They got through the metal detectors and security without any difficulty, then headed to the gate to wait for their flight. Abby was feeling slightly more relaxed, as long as she was touching John.
"Come on Abby, let's catch the plane." He said, "I want to leave Chicago behind."
"Just don't let go of me," Abby said, her grip almost cutting off the blood supply to Carter's hand.
"Ouch, let go....not so tight Abby. I need blood flow to my hand. Just remember what I told you to think about. It won't be much longer until we are in the sky." Carter yelped.
Abby took a deep breath, and loosed her grip a bit. "Mile high, mile high," she said under her breath.
Carter handed the woman at the gate their tickets. "You can turn back now if you want to, or we can go sit down and enjoy ourselves." Carter knew that Abby wouldn't leave him on that plane by himself. But he wanted to get her to relax. He hadn't seen her this uptight in a long time.
"Is there any way to join this club and not get in an airplane?" Abby asked
"Not that I know of Abby. I think you have to actually be mile high to join it." Carter said laughing.
"Don't you laugh at me, John Carter"
"Honey I'm sorry but you're too cute."
Abby closed her eyes for a minute, and just concentrated on breathing. "Ok, I can do this."
Carter put his arm around her and led her to their seats. "I know you can do this Abby. You're strong; it's just a little airplane."
"Maybe if it really were little, I wouldn't be so worried. The bigger something is the faster it falls," Abby said as she slid into her seat.
"We'll be okay. It's not going to fall out of the sky." He said patting her hand. Something was telling him this was going to be a long flight after all. Abby put her seatbelt on, and pulled it just as tight as she could.
Carter watched. Could she get that any tighter? He watched as the few passengers that there were boarded and the flight attendant started in with the safety lecture. "A few more minutes and we'll be on our way. Say goodbye to Chicago." "Goodbye, Chicago. I hope I see you again," Abby said, as she gave a little wave toward the window.
"Of course you'll see it again. We'll be back at County before it feels like we've been gone. We're headed down the runway. Don't panic when the plane lifts off. It will be bumpy for a second." He said to her. He didn't want her to have a panic attack before they left the city. Abby gripped the armrest with her right hand, and Carter's hand with her left.
"Tell me when its over" she said, tightly shutting her eyes.
Carter grimaced. He didn't think that he was going to have a hand left when he got to Switzerland. "Breathe Abby, relax, " He leaned over and kissed her. He really needed her to let go of his hand a little.
"Could you do that again, please?" Abby asked, with her eyes still closed.
"You bet." He leaned back over. She had lessened her death grip. The seatbelt sign came off. Carter reached over set her free and pulled her onto his lap. "Keep your eyes closed and sleep for a few minutes," He said stroking her head.
"Sleep, are you nuts!" Abby said, her words sounding a bit higher pitched than her usual voice. "Do you really think that is possible?"
"Shhh. Yes I do. Close your eyes." He said to her and he rubbed the back of her neck. "Relax Abby I have you."
The flight attendant walked by and asked if they wanted anything to drink. Abby opened her eyes, looked right at Carter. "Can I please have a drink, John? Please?"
"Why," he said looking into her eyes, "you have me instead of it."
"I swear, I will never drink again if you just please let me have one now."
"Abby you know how I feel about drinking." He was going to be as firm as he could with her on this one.
"Can't you make an exception, just this once," Abby pleaded, her eyes still locked with his.
"Why?" he wasn't going to bend, "Abby look, we will get thru this together. I'm here, you don't need it. What will it do for you that I can't?"
Abby stopped and though. She drew a shaky breath. "Just don't let go of me."
"I don't intend to. Okay I'm going to have to in a little bit so we can join that club that I've been promising you. But I won't let go of you any longer than I have to. " Carter said to her.
Abby dropped her head back onto Carter's chest, and closed her eyes again. She tried to just concentrate on his heartbeat. She wondered why his heartbeat wasn't racing like hers. Carter tipped the seat back and rested his chin on top of her head. "Get some sleep. Really, we are going to be here awhile." He was still tired from the all the days that he worked. He started snoring over the Atlantic Ocean.
"Damn it, Carter. Wake up! "
"What, did we land?" Carter said jumping up, "what's wrong Abby?"
"There is water outside that window. Did you know that? Why didn't you warn me?" Abby asked, her hand now gripping his tie.
"Abby what is between New York and Switzerland that's big and blue?"
"Don't you mock me. You better get me in that club, or get me off this damn plane. Or get me a drink," she said
"Okay, okay. Here's the plan. I want you to walk to the end of the isle. On the right side is the bathroom go in and close the door but don't lock it. I will be right there." He said.
"You want me to walk?"
"Yes, I can't carry you there, and well I don't think the other passengers would appreciate the show."
"All I can say is this better be good," Abby said as she slipped out of Carter's lap. She felt him steady her as she stood in the isle.
"Right side, don't lock the door."
"Okay, but don't be long."
"I won't be more than 5 minutes Abby relax. It's not like I want the entire plane to know I'm initiating you into the mile high club," He said in a low voice.
Abby grabbed her purse and walked down the isle, and into the bathroom. She reached for the lock then remember she wasn't supposed to lock it. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her eyes were wide, and she was pale. Carter would probably run and hide as soon as he saw her.
Carter counted to 25 and then got up and followed Abby. He reached for the bathroom door, and thanked God that she hadn't locked it. He stepped inside. Put his fingers to her lips. "Shhh." He said as he lifted her up, sitting her on the edge of the sink and locking the door behind him. Abby wrapped her arms tightly around Carter's neck, and tried again to slow her breathing.
"That's it," Carter said. He pulled her close to him; he ran his arms up and down the length of her back. He wanted her to relax and know that she was safe there with him. He wasn't going to let anything happen to her and he was going to take her mind off the fact that they were in an airplane. Abby could feel Carter's strong arms around her, and she started to feel a bit better. Her pulse began to return to normal, beating in time with John's.
"I love you," he said as he worked his way down the neck and across the tops of her arms.
Abby's eyes drifted closed again, but not in fear. There was nothing like the feeling of being in his arms. It was enough to make her forget that she was in the sky in a tin can.
His hands roamed over Abby's body. He was going to make her forget that she was flying. Abby placed her lips to John's neck, nibbling along his jaw line. She ran her tongue along the curve of his ear, and she felt his heart rate speed up. Carter slowly started to undress her, taking his time. He had an entire flight to make her happy. Abby pulled John's tie loose, then began working on the buttons of his shirt.
"You are the most beautiful woman in the world, I love you." John whispered in her ear as he slipped her shirt over her head. He kissed his way down her arm and then back up to her neck.
"Oh, John," Abby sighed. She pulled him even closer, until it was impossible to tell where she ended and he began.
John savored the touch of her skin against his, how soft she felt under his hands. She was finally his. He didn't want this to ever end. Her body molded perfectly with his, as he carefully balance her between him and the small sink ledge, he slid her down so that he was leaning against the wall supporting her with his hands on her hips.
"God, John, don't ever stop," Abby whispered. Abby wrapped her legs around him, totally lost in the feeling of him.
He bent his head down to kiss her. She seemed to melt under his touch. He ran his hands thru her hair, down her back gently stroking her skin lightly. He drank in her taste, her smell. He was high on love. Love of being with her, of feeling her, of touching and being with her. Abby couldn't remember a time she had felt so loved. His love for her came through in every motion, every touch, and every hushed moan. He was a part of her, and she a part of him. If this wasn't heaven, she didn't know what was.
He opened his eyes to look at her, to take in her beauty; he loved her with all his heart. He couldn't hold on much longer, with her, it was so special. There was nothing that he wouldn't do for her. He would walk to the ends of the earth. He pulled her close to him, "Abby," he cried out only loud enough for her to hear. Abby looked into his beautiful brown eyes, and the love reflected in them. The depth of feeling shining in his eyes was enough to push her over the edge.
"Oh, Baby," she panted, as she felt her body tremble. "Just never let go."
John laid his head on her shoulder as he held onto her tightly. He was never going to let go of her, ever. "Abby I love you more than you'll ever know." He said. He kissed her hard and passionately. He didn't want her to think of anyone but him, to think of anything but his love for her.
"I want to be yours, forever." Abby laced her fingers with John's. "Forever" she said as she looked at their joined hands.
"I want that too." He said, "I'm not going anywhere Abby, I'm yours forever and a day."
Abby looked around and giggled, "we probably need to leave this bathroom sometime, though."
"You think anyone noticed we've been in here forever." He said smiling. He looked down at his watch, "over an hour."
"I don't care what anyone thinks. I wouldn't have missed this for anything." Abby said, placing a light kiss on John's forehead.
"I'm glad." He said buttoning his shirt back up, "you want to go out first or you want me to?"
"You go. I want to try to do something with my hair. Don't want to scare the other passengers," Abby said with a sated smile.
"Okay." He said, he kissed her and slipped out the bathroom door, he was glad to see that she was more relaxed about being on the flight.
Abby found a brush in her purse and ran it through her hair. She looked again into the mirror, this time she was pleased with the reflection. It was of a woman in love. She stepped out of the bathroom, and returned to her seat. She lay her head onto John, and instantly fell asleep.
John smiled as he watched her sleep. He pushed his seat back so that he reclined. And closed his eyes. Maybe now that she was sleeping he could sleep with out her hitting him in a frantic panic. Carter opens his eyes.
They were about 15 minutes from landing when they hit turbulence. Abby's eyes flew open and she sat straight up. "What was that?"
"Sorry sweetie, the road's just a little bumpy right here." He said smiling at her, "we are almost there. You only have to be on this plane for another 15 minutes."
Abby held out her trembling left hand to John. "You know what to do."
He took her hand in his. He leaned over and kissed her, "there's not enough time."
Abby rolled her eyes, and almost chuckled, in a nervous way. "Just hold my hand."
"Your wish is my command" He said as the pilot came over the loud speaker. "Ladies and gentleman welcome to Geneva we will be landing in 10 minutes."
Abby closed her eyes again, and felt Carters hand in hers. She held on, but didn't cut off the circulation this time.
Do you want to get something to eat first, or check into the hotel?" He asked her.
"Let's find the hotel first. I want to feel solid ground under my feet for a while before I consider eating."
"Okay," Carter pouted. He hadn't had anything to eat for a while and those peanuts just weren't enough.
"Or," Abby said, batting her eyes. "We could check in, order room service and I could feed you to your heart's content."
John smiled. "I think I like that idea. It's just you and me for a whole week. "
"Don't forget the entire Carter Clan."
"How could I forget?" Carter said. "There you go. You are on solid ground again."
"Not quite, we are still in this plane, but since the plane is on the ground now I guess it won't fall, " said Abby, as she began to gather her belongings.
"No it won't fall." He said. "But it will feel nice to get off it. Hopefully we can find a taxi fairly easily."
"Or if the hotel isn't far, maybe we could walk? Abby asked.
"I'm not carrying this bag with your kitchen sink in it that far." He said laughing.
"OK, taxi it is."